A Faculty Overview
The Modern Foreign Languages Faculty at John Cabot offers three Languages to all of its students– French,
German and Spanish. MFL at John Cabot is exciting, motivating and fun for all of its students. We aim to be
at the forefront with the use of IT which supports independent learning and fosters international links and
promotes virtual and physical exchanges with a number of schools globally. The Key Stage 3 programme,
introduced four years ago, currently allows students to experience all three Languages whilst also
incorporating cultural and global aspects of the languages studied. After these experiences all students
choose the Language they wish to continue learning in Year 8 then in Year 9 students work towards
developing the necessary range of skills required to achieve success in KS4. At KS4, Languages are optional.
Students follow the Linear AQA French, Spanish and German courses. At KS5 students study OCR German,
AQA Spanish and WJEC French.
We aim to give our students the opportunity to develop their full potential, through varied teaching and
learning methodologies; teaching of a high standard and a commitment to engendering open minds and an
inquisitive spirit. Extra-curricular trips and visits assist us in extending students experiences further and
visits next academic year will include: Language Conferences, culture and theatre trips and visits. We also
have partnerships with both French and Spanish schools.
Results within MFL have increased significantly and students are attaining well at both Key Stage 3 and also
Key Stage 4 and 5. Tracking, monitoring and target setting are extremely important for all of our students to
ensure they understand their current skill set whilst also knowing the steps they have to take personally to
achieve improved personal success albeit a National Curriculum Level, GCSE grade or AS/A2 Grade.
MFL Lesson Allocations:
Year 7 – Four lessons (2 hours 20 mins in total)
Year 8 - Four lessons (2 hours 20 mins in total)
Year 9 – Four lessons (2 hours 20 mins in total)
Year 10 – Four lessons (2 hours 20 mins in total)
Year 11 - Four lessons (2 hours 20 mins in total)
Extended Day Activities:
All members of the Faculty offer an extended day activity to further enrich the learning experience of all
Cabot students; this can be an academic club or an additional enrichment activity. Recent Faculty clubs
include: French Club, German club, Spanish club, Spanish cooking, in addition to various Key Stage 4 and 5
drop in sessions.
General:
We have very hard working staff, committed to aiming for the best for all our students. The Faculty works
together as a team with everyone involved in decision making. We are constantly reviewing both our
curriculum and our teaching strategies so that we are never standing still and we are always looking at new
and innovative methods. We are rewarded with students who enjoy their lessons and who aim for and
achieve high standards.
Person Specification for the Post
It is likely that the person appointed will meet most, if not all, of the following criteria:
Experience
The post is suited to an experienced or NQT teacher
Qualifications
 A degree in Modern Foreign Language
 A PGCE or equivalent recognised qualification
Special Abilities and Aptitudes
We hope to appoint someone who:
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Will motivate our students and stimulate their interest in MFL;
Is energetic, creative and committed professionally;
Will ensure progress and improvement for all our students;
Can maintain a sense of humor whilst working under pressure;
Will have the willingness to use ICT as a teaching resource;
Will have the willingness to work as part of a team.
Will take an active tutor role, demonstrating commitment to pastoral provision for students
The Modern Foreign Languages Department holds an important role at John Cabot Academy and staff
joining us will find themselves in a rewarding and inspiring environment.